150 APPENDIX. 
benefit, it is to be apprehended that it would also have a 
disastrous influence on the natives to be visited. Even dis- 
aster from natural causes might diminish the impression of 
European skill and power; and acting on the excited super- 
stition of the savage, might quench his desire for our inter- 
course: and should it arise from the rapacious ferocity of 
the native tribes, it would erect a more serious obstacle to 
future progress in their gratified appetite for plunder, and 
their jealousy of retaliation. These views should inspire 
especial caution in regard to every proceeding, or even verbal 
inquiry among tribes, where it is to be suspected such 
lamentable incidents have occurred. The impression of its 
safe advance and return, and of any benefits it may confer on 
those whom it visits, will unquestionably proceed far in ad- 
vance of its presence, and necessarily subdue or weaken those 
obstacles which may at present restrain its proceedings 
within regions where the Colonial influence may in some 
respects be considered as overlooking its movements and 
watching for its safety. 
- Our inquiries lead us to anticipate that the natives of the 
interior districts adjoining this colony are generally disposed 
to welcome the approach of travellers, and to treat them 
respectfully ; lest, however, the opportunity of easily acquiring 
by plunder what they covet should prove too tempting for 
their respect or caution, it is requisite that such an apparent 
preparation to repel assaults should be preserved as may 
render it obviously perilous to the assailants; separation of 
the party must therefore be avoided when holding inter- 
course with them, and if a divison should be unavoidable, 
the main body must be kept in sufficient strength, and held 
in readiness to aid the detachments or serve as a refuge for 
them. It will best accord with the object of the expedition; 
that not.only every reasonable probability of avoiding ‘col: 
